Overhalla Betongbygg improves planning with Trimble Connect Planner Extension
VIDEO: Trimble Connect Planner Extension example project from Overhalla Betongbygg.
Overhalla Betongbygg, a leading player in Norway's construction and concrete industry, has experienced increasing complexity and size in their projects in recent years. To improve installation planning, they have collaborated with BuildingPoint Scandinavia to develop the Trimble Connect Planner Extension, a customized and user-friendly solution that effectively meets their needs!
Ten- and twentyfold increase in the number of concrete elements
IMAGE: Installation of facade concrete elements.
(Image courtesy of Overhalla Betongbygg AS)
Historically, Overhalla Betongbygg has used a planning system developed in-house. This system has worked well for projects with up to 400 elements, which was common until around 2020, but with the recent growth to projects involving 3500 elements or more, it became clear that the old system was no longer sufficient.
At the same time, Overhalla Betongbygg has used Tekla Structures for many years with great effect, especially in the design and construction phase, also significantly improving production efficiency. This tool has played a central role in their success in handling the complexity of large construction projects, but they realized the need for a specific tool for installation planning.
Challenges with the old system
The previous system was functional, but it began to show some limitations. "Planning could take weeks, and when changes occurred, it was often a big job to adjust everything again," says Didrik Evensen, responsible for technology and digitalization at Overhalla Betongbygg.
This led to revision management becoming a challenge, where small changes in the project plan were not always updated in the plan, risking ripple effects, affecting transport plans, and potentially causing delays in installation.
The need for a new solution
IMAGE: Didrik Evensen in Overhalla Betongbygg lead the reference group in Overhalla that set requirements and carried out end-user testing during the development of the Trimble Connect Planner Extension from BuildingPoint Scandinavia.
(Image courtesy of Overhalla Betongbygg AS)
Overhalla Betongbygg needed a new approach to planning. They wanted a solution that could present installation plans visually in a 3D model without being too complex or requiring extensive training. They previously considered Tekla Organizer, but this tool was too advanced for their project managers who are not necessarily experienced Tekla users.
BuildingPoint Scandinavia, which also supplies Tekla in Norway, has experience in developing additional applications on platforms such as Trimble Connect - a collaboration platform where you can easily share 3D models (IFC), drawings, and other documents.
Trimble Connect has become very popular in both construction and infrastructure in recent years with a low user threshold. Technical manager Erik Ødegaard and the development team at BuildingPoint Scandinavia, led by Anders Sand-Larsson, therefore started developing an extension for Trimble Connect, called Trimble Connect Planner Extension.
Trimble Connect Planner Extension
IMAGE: Trimble Connect Planner Extension, developed by BuildingPoint Scandinavia in collaboration with Overhalla Betongbygg.
Overhalla Betongbygg formed an internal development group that worked closely with BuildingPoint Scandinavia during the development of this adaptation.
The goal was to "simplify" the 3D model to include only the essentials for installation planning, reducing user barriers and making the tool more intuitive.
Another important aspect was the ability to handle revisions quickly and efficiently. "We wanted a system where we could easily handle changes and incorporate them seamlessly into the installation plan. This is crucial for us when working on large, complex projects," explains Didrik.
"
We wanted a system where we could easily handle changes and incorporate them seamlessly into the installation plan. This is crucial for us when working on large, complex projects.
- Didrik Evensen, Overhalla Betongbygg AS
IMAGE: Trimble Connect Planner Extension, developed by BuildingPoint Scandinavia in collaboration with Overhalla Betongbygg.
With the Trimble Connect Planner extension, Overhalla Betongbygg will have a tool where they can easily go through an entire construction project and define the installation sequence, then set dates for all steps. You can plan from start to finish or start with the last element and plan backward in time. The tool allows you to play back the construction process, making it easy to see any challenges and quickly adjust the plan.
With drag-and-drop functionality for one or more elements at a time, it becomes very easy to plan and adjust the installation, ensuring that the plan is always up to date with minimal effort.
The Planner extension also allows you to divide the project as it suits you, for example, if there are multiple buildings in the project, or if there are sections that should naturally be planned separately.
After the installation plan is completed in Trimble Connect Planner, you can export the plan and import it into Tekla for further use. This allows Overhalla Betongbygg to take the installation plan into ELIPLAN for production and logistics planning.
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We expect this to be 100 times easier than before! It will make the workday much smoother for many of us!
- Didrik Evensen, Overhalla Betongbygg AS
Expectations and engagement
IMAGE: Overhalla Betongbygg / Transport out in the field with concrete elements! (Image courtesy of Overhalla Betongbygg AS)
Since the development of the Trimble Connect Planner Extension began, there has been great internal engagement at Overhalla Betongbygg. Employees from various departments have been highly motivated to influence and support the development to meet their needs.
With this tool, Overhalla Betongbygg expects a significant increase in efficiency and an easier everyday life for employees. "We expect this to be 100 times easier than before! It will make the workday much smoother for many of us," says Didrik enthusiastically.
Today, Overhalla Betongbygg has 80-90 projects a year, and with the Trimble Connect Planner Extension, they expect not only to improve installation planning but also to see downstream effects, such as reduced handling and transport of elements due to better overview and control. This will not only save time but also reduce costs and increase efficiency in projects.
Trimble Connect Planner Extension is an example of how technology can be adapted to meet specific needs in the construction industry. For Overhalla Betongbygg, this means not only a technological upgrade but an improvement that provides real benefits in their daily operations. "With this investment in digital infrastructure, combined with our successful use of Tekla Structures, we are well-equipped for continued growth," concludes Didrik.
IMAGES: Overhalla Betongbygg production facilitites. (All images courtesy of Overhalla Betongbygg AS)
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